Brian Lainhart Scouting Report

Brian Lainhart, FS, Kent State

Brian Lainhart has made a career out of forcing turnovers. With one game left in his collegiate career at Kent State, Lainhart has picked off an amazing 17 passes and forced eight fumbles. For the last four years when the Golden Flashes needed a big play, it was Lainhart who was there to make it. The 6-1 free safety does more than just make big plays though. As a freshman he tallied 63 tackles despite missing some time with neck and shoulder injuries. In 2008 he totaled 106 tackles and picked off six passes.

By 2009 the Mid-American Conference should have known better than to throw in his direction, but Lainhart kept picking off passes, forcing fumbles and making tackles. Lainhart's numbers have dipped a little bit in 2010. Through 11 games he is second on the team with 82 tackles, but he only has two interceptions and has forced just one fumble. That would be a good season for most other players, but Lainhart has set the bar pretty high for himself.

Kent State's bowl hopes were dashed after a loss to Western Michigan, but Lainhart's career could continue at the next level. He is an interesting prospect at the next level. He could be a fine free safety because of his superb instincts and big play ability. However, his lack of strength should keep him waiting to hear his name called well into the late rounds.

4/8 Update: Lainhart was dealt a blow to his NFL future when he was not invited to the NFL combine. That put a lot of pressure on the free safety during Kent State's mid-March pro day. Lainhart was pretty much fighting for a job and he performed quite well, showing a nice combination of speed and strength. That showing will not be enough to make Lainhart a mid-round draft pick, but it could be just enough to get him drafted.